Film Review - The Book of Clarence
LaKeith Stanfield pretends to be a messiah in Jeymes Samuel's biblically themed comedy-drama
Based on the trailer, I went to The Book of Clarence expecting a rib-tickling religious satire akin to Life of Brian (1979). However, The Harder They Fall (2021) writer-director Jeymes Samuel has crafted an altogether different picture compared with the controversial Monty Python masterpiece. It’s a lot less surreal and funny (though still surreal and funny in parts) and a far more straightforward tale of faith than I’d been previously led to believe. It also utilises the setting to make blunt instrument points about racism; with the all-Black cast playing Jewish characters, and an all-white cast playing the Romans.
Unlike the Python gang, Samuel isn’t interested in scathingly hilarious observations about unquestioning belief, mob mentality, and denominational nit-picking lunacy (the Judean People’s Front versus the People’s Front of Judea, etc), but a more straightforward, Jesus-adjacent narrative, circa 33 AD. The titular Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield), stoner twin brother of the Apostle Thomas (also Stanfield), ultimately winds up on a far more redemptive path, despite his messiah impersonation antics. He takes to these in desperation, to raise the cash he owes loan shark Jedidiah the Terrible (Eric Kofi-Abrefa).
Clarence is first seen in a chariot race against none other than Mary Magdalene (Teyana Taylor). The idea that Mary Magdalene tore around the streets of Jerusalem playing homage to Ben Hur (1959) prior to meeting Jesus is amusingly irreverent. The title font is another homage to the aforementioned Heston-Wyler classic, and The Book of Clarence also tips its hat to Spartacus (1960). For example, Clarence is in love with Jedidiah the Terrible’s sister, named Varinia (Anna Diop), and for reasons too ridiculous to explain, he winds up in single gladiatorial combat against the fearsome Barabbas (Omar Sy).
This predicament is also in part triggered by Clarence’s estrangement from his brother. Early in the film, Thomas and the other apostles understandably reject Clarence’s proposal to become the thirteenth apostle. After all, Clarence isn’t a believer, and simply wants in on what he believes are scam miracles. But the bad blood between Thomas and Clarence is what really lies at the heart of the falling out.
Some of this is amusing. There’s a particularly funny early scene when John the Baptist (David Oyelowo) sternly condemns Clarence’s shenanigans when he asks to be baptised. A running gag concerning Clarence’s mispronouncing of “apostle” also raises a few titters, as does a memorable bit part for Benedict Cumberbatch as a beggar. But as the film continues, it dramatically changes tone. Firstly, it uses the oppression of the Romans, led by Pontius Pilate (James McAvoy), as a rather obvious (though admittedly effective) metaphor for modern racial tensions. Secondly, this places a major focus on the life, ministry, and message of Jesus (Nicholas Pinnock), with a reverence that is far more Ben Hur than Life of Brian.
For instance, although hardly The Passion of the Christ (2004), the film doesn’t shy away from the horrors of crucifixion. It also recreates, and in some cases deftly reinvents, famous biblical passages — the woman Jesus saves from being stoned for adultery and the betrayal of Judas Iscariot (Michael Ward), for instance — in ways that only the most uptight of Christians would object to. Obviously, this isn’t the Bible, but the essence of the gospel message is treated with great respect.
What The Book of Clarence lacks in consistent giggles, it makes up for with a heartfelt tale of redemption that will doubtless prove faith-affirming for believers. For non-believers, there’s still much to enjoy, from the engaging performances to the rather wonderful soundtrack. Composed by Jeymes Samuel (in addition to writing and directing duties), it features contributions from Lil Wayne, Doja Cat, Shabba Ranks, JAY-Z, Kid Cudi, D’Angelo, Yemi Alade, Jorge Ben Jor, and several others.
It isn’t unflawed. The uneven tone will put off some. Narrative jiggery-pokery to make this fit a biblical timeline does feel a little forced, and the nods and winks at drug-taking seem inconsistent with the overall message. However, whilst this didn’t deliver what I expected, I ultimately rather liked what it did deliver. The Book of Clarence is no masterpiece, but it is diverting, unusual, and surprisingly sincere.
(Originally published at Medium.)
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I was bored halfway through. It was clever but not very funny.
The only Black Jew I know of from the past is Sammy Davis, Jr.- and he was a convert rather than being born into the faith. Obviously, one can be both Black and Jewish...